GSB 528 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES (4 UNITS)

Course Description

Intensive - Short Session Course

This course provides students with conceptual frameworks and experiences necessary to understand the business capabilities of a technological innovation and determine if a sustainable market opportunity can be identified to exploit some aspect of the innovation.

Innovative technologies are typically proven in laboratory settings, but have not been developed into objects or systems that have economic value. Student teams will study the characteristics of the technology, speculate on how key capabilities can be stretched, and identify real business markets and customers who would be willing to pay for these capabilities. Based upon the needs of these customers, product concepts are developed that emphasize the valuable features of the technology. These product concepts must be tested in the marketplace to determine the maximum value that can be delivered, and if they will command a price that is needed to build a profitable enterprise.

Students will explore issues of manufacturability, intellectual property and patents, pricing and value, market size and growth, supply chain development, and finance. They will also develop a feasibility study for launching the technology or licensing the product to an existing enterprise.

The course format includes lectures, case studies, and guest presentations. The principal outcome will be the development and presentation of a "New Product Feasibility Assessment and Introduction Plan" for a product defined by the team that exploits a technology innovation.

Lead Course Instructor

Dr. Eric Olsen. Dr. Olsen is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Technology in the Orfalea College of Business. Dr. Olsen received his BA from the University of Maine, his MBA from Virginia Tech, and his Ph.D. from Ohio State University. His research focuses on, among other issues, the relationship between lean manufacturing and a firm's financial performance. Dr. Olsen also has extensive work experience in private industry. From 1988 to 1999 he worked at Hewlett Packard in the Bay area in a number of different capacities -- Manufacturing Development Engineer, Manager of Product Engineering, Worldwide Manufacturing Education Manager, and Production Manager. From 1982 to 1988 he worked for Litton/Poly-Scientific as a Senior Engineer and Manager of Fiber Optic Engineering. From 1979 to 1982 he worked at the Caterpillar Tractor Company as a Test Engineer in their Product Development Center. He has led and been a team member on numerous new product development and process development projects, primarily in the area of fiber optic communications. He continues to engage in various internal and external consulting projects with organizations in the United States and overseas. Dr. Olsen also serves as a senior consultant with the Venture Outsource Group (www.ventureoutsource.com).

Course Schedule

Offered only during special summer session, this innovative course is required for students pursuing the MBA - Accelerated Option and strongly encouraged for students following Track Two or in a Dual Degree program.

Note that this course is offered so that students may also take the Effective Communication Skills for Managers (4 units) course thereby completing 8 units of electives before the regular Fall quarter commences.

Start and End Dates : Monday, August 25, 2008 to Thursday, September 12, 2008

Time: 8:30am - 12:00 noon

Location: Orfalea College of Business - Building 3, Room 206

Pre-Attendance Preparation:
To make the most of the initial class sessions, several readings will be assigned prior to the first day of class. Students who have enrolled in this course will be expected to access the Blackboard system, via the MyCalPoly portal, to acquire the course syllabus and a listing of pre-course required readings and assignments.

Course Cost and Registration

The cost of tuition for this course is $1555.

Courses offered outside the regular academic quarters must be offered through Cal Poly Continuing Education and are subject to a different fee schedule and registration method. The cost for courses offered through Cal Poly Continuing Education is the same for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Note that because this course will take place as a special short summer session course offered through Cal Poly Continuing Education, financial aid may not be available. Students are advised to check with the Cal Poly Financial Aid office and plan accordingly.

Withdrawal and Refund Policy:

Any changes in status must be made in writing and received by the Orfalea College of Business Graduate Programs office during business hours. Business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.